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View Full Version : Suggestions for easier terrain 8 to 10 day section hike May 8th thru 22nd



4eyedbuzzard
01-24-2009, 12:37
Looking for suggestions for an EASY(er) 8 to 10 day section hike roughly between May 8th thru 22nd. This could also be 4 - 6 days or so in one section and 4 - 6 days or so in a different section in roughly the same area. We(my adult daughter and I) can leapfrog around a bit with the car.

EASY is kind of key here. I'm still recovering from a pretty severe back/disc injury, and have lost quite a bit of muscle mass from muscle wasting in my left leg due to nerve damage, plus my aerobic capacity is also down as a result of the inactivity:(, so I don't want to jump right in to sections with big gap to summit ups and downs. Hiking a section more relatively downhill or in the direction the grades are easier would be preferable even if it means doing a little extra driving or added logistics.:o

I'm planning on a leisurely hike--no rush to get going in the morning or get anywhere in a hurry(think eggs or pancakes for breakfast and some fresh meat and potatoes for dinner the first night out of resupply). I'll be starting late and stopping early by most die-hard's standards. Side trails to scenic lookouts, waterfalls, points of interest, and even some swimming if it's warm enough:sun are also definitely in play. Definitely list any "don't miss" places. I'd also like a good "camping" experience, so I'd like to stay places where campfires are allowed(restricted to established sites/areas is okay). I'd like to resupply every 3 to 4 days at most, and would also welcome advice on where to park and moving the vehicle down the trail as we progress, as we will only have one car.

Off the top of my head I'm considering a section through SNP as the trail grades there are relatively easier(at least compared to much of my home state of NH) and the elevation ups and down don't seem as severe as many other sections. I'm also considering central PA and south or Grayson Highlands area based upon what I've read here on WB, or even CT/MA though the black flies, skeeters, mud, etc might be a problem in early May in CT/MA depending upon weather(I'm hesitant on this one).

I know, long winded(as usual for me);), but I'd figured I'd try to get all the particulars out of the way in the initial post.

So, any ideas and recommendations? Thanks :)

Yahtzee
01-24-2009, 12:50
Pa from the Southern Border. In my experience, this is the most leisurely walking on the trail. From PenMar Park to Duncannon is nice stroll.

Grayson is always a good option.

But, southern Pa would be the place I would go to get my trail legs underneath me without too much pain.

Lone Wolf
01-24-2009, 12:50
Shen. Nat. Park

johnnybgood
01-24-2009, 13:29
Shenandoah Natl. Park . Can leave car at the Inn at Afton for the week . Reservations desk can tell you where to park . Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center is also a good place to leave your car and they may have a shuttle service available . If not then try Pam Bennett in Waynesboro. Info. Center will have all the details.

Jack Tarlin
01-24-2009, 13:32
Shenandoah Park is a nice idea.

Also, I'd consider Bland VA to Damascus, southbound.

Southern New England is certainly an easier section, but I don't think May is the best time to do it.

4eyedbuzzard
01-24-2009, 14:30
My daughter and I hiked the easiest part of the AT in NH early last May--from Hanover to just past the Dartmouth ski area on two separate short overnighters, but the weather was unusually warm and very dry last spring here--we had a nice window of some early season hiking without a lot of mud or flies. Even so, what is a relatively easy uphill hike for many(and me a few years back) was difficult going for me the last few hundred feet or so of the uphills to Moose Mountain and again to Holts Ledge. Then I had a minor setback with the back again which kept me from hiking during the summer and fall. Kind of makes me want to take it easy for a while I work on strengthening the leg and getting back in better hiking shape.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions so far. Keep 'em coming.

Blissful
01-24-2009, 14:53
SNP is good. There are a few steeper sections SOBO - like up Mary's Rock, suggest doing it NOBO. Might do Swift Run Gap north to Chester Gap, Rt 522 if you are doing low miles. You have lodging options also

Are you on prescription pain killers? My hubby is for his back.

4eyedbuzzard
01-24-2009, 15:19
Thanks for the NOBO tip. I'll definitely consider that. SNP seems to be getting the most votes.

I'm off regularly taking the narcotics for my back. Still have a prescription for "as needed" but I rarely use them. I occaisionally take flexiril if I get muscle spasms, but mostly just pretty big doses of ibuprofen. After having gone through codeine addiction three times now over the last 5 years due to three separate back injuries, I really don't like the mental and physical dependency and gastrointestinal side effects--even if they do give you a nice buzz.:cool: Doesn't take long, maybe a month or two and you get addicted and start exhibiting "drug seeking behavior"--uh oh, I'm down to only 30 oxy's left, gotta make sure I get some more so I don't run out...:( Not the person I want to be.

But when needed, during the acute stage of an injury, or if you're in long term intractable pain, they're absolutely great compared to suffering without. In my case they allowed me to function to some degree in much less pain and start physical therapy sooner. Biggest issue is that you have to take pericolace or other laxitive/softener with them as they prevent proper peristalsis in the lower GI tract. :eek: I always joke with people that, "yeah, the pain killers reduce the pain to a dull roar, but mostly they make you not give a s***, both figuratively and literally". ;)

Sorry for that... too much info... but it is the reality of pain meds.

Hope your hubby gets better and out of needing pain meds on an ongoing basis. Being in pain sucks.

4eyedbuzzard
01-24-2009, 22:50
Bump